In this episode, we’re joined by Charles Hamilton and Rachael Taylor from No Isolation, a pioneering company using technology to tackle loneliness and social isolation—especially among children who are unable to attend school due to long-term illness or other challenges. We explore how their innovative solutions, like the AV1 telepresence robot, are transforming the way children stay connected to their classrooms, friends, and communities. This conversation dives into the real-world impact of their work, the stories behind the tech, and the broader mission to ensure no child is left behind.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing local democracy today: how do we attract and retain new councillors—especially during times of local government reorganisation and devolution?

As councils across the UK undergo structural changes and new authorities emerge, we ask: why should people still stand for election? What opportunities do these changes present for fresh leadership, innovation, and community impact? Amanda shares her insights on the evolving role of councillors, the barriers to entry, and what needs to change to ensure local government remains representative, resilient, and ready for the future.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we speak with Dr. Thomas Foreman, former Chief Executive and Town Clerk at Thorpe St Andrew Town Council and now a consultant supporting local government and regulators across England and Wales.

With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) reshaping the landscape, we explore the evolving role of Town and Parish Councils. Drawing on his frontline experience and consultancy insights, Thomas shares how these councils are responding to change, the challenges they face, and the opportunities emerging from reorganisation.

We discuss how grassroots councils can maintain democratic engagement, build capacity, and influence outcomes in a shifting system—and why their role is more vital than ever in the future of local governance.

In this episode, we sit down with Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive of Torbay Council, and Jim Parker, Chair of the Torquay Place Leadership Board, to explore how a clear and compelling place narrative can drive successful regeneration. Discover the strategies behind Torbay’s approach, the role of leadership and collaboration, and the tangible impact on place-shaping aspirations.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, mental fitness coach Beth Carr explores how local government professionals can build resilience and emotional strength in demanding roles. Beth shares practical, science-backed techniques to help listeners manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and foster psychological safety in their teams. Through real-world examples and reflective insights, she encourages public servants to “dig deep” into their values and habits to create sustainable mental wellbeing.

In this episode, we explore the critical role of governance in local authority trading companies (LATCOs). Host, Matt Masters sits down with Mark Beacom, Partner in the Board, Real Estate & Financial Officers Practices, to discuss:

• Why LATCOs need the right Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)
• How to recruit and structure effective boards
• The risks of poor governance
• What good governance looks like in practice
• Real-world examples and lessons learned

In this episode, the podcast explores how fractional leadership—where experienced professionals work part-time or on a project basis—can transform local government operations, especially in the built environment sector. David Goodwin discusses how councils and public sector bodies can benefit from accessing high-level expertise without the cost or commitment of full-time hires.

Key themes likely include:

• The concept of fractional leadership and how it differs from traditional roles.
• Benefits for local government, such as agility, cost-efficiency, and access to niche expertise.
• Challenges in implementation, including cultural shifts and integration with existing teams.
• Case studies or examples of successful fractional leadership in planning, infrastructure, or regeneration projects.
• Future outlook on how local authorities can build more resilient and innovative teams using fractional models.

In this episode, well-being strategist Beth Carr explores the nature of stress, how it’s measured, and how local government professionals can manage it more effectively. She explains the difference between acute and chronic stress, introduces both subjective and objective ways to measure it, and highlights the unique pressures faced in public service roles. Beth shares practical strategies—from mindfulness to organisational culture shifts—to help individuals and teams build resilience. Her key message: “Stress is a signal, not the enemy.”

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Murphy, Chief Executive of Collaborate CIC, to explore their newly finalised report for Test Valley on the case for community and neighbourhood approaches to Local Government Reorganisation. Rebecca shares insights into why this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset how local government operates—moving away from outdated New Public Management models and toward people-powered, place-based systems.

We discuss what’s working well in communities already embracing this shift, why starting from the bottom up is essential for lasting impact, and how local leaders and residents are co-creating solutions that truly serve their needs. If you're curious about the future of local governance and how to build systems that work with communities rather than for them, this conversation is not to be missed.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alex Gee, Senior Consultant at CIPFA, to explore the critical role of commercial asset management during periods of local government reorganisation. As councils across the UK face structural changes, the effective management of commercial property portfolios becomes more important than ever.

Alex shares practical advice for local government officers on how to assess, consolidate, and strategically manage assets to ensure long-term financial sustainability and service delivery. From understanding the risks and opportunities in inherited portfolios to aligning asset strategies with new governance structures, this episode is packed with expert guidance and actionable insights.

Whether you're a property manager, finance officer, or senior leader navigating the complexities of reorganisation, this conversation will equip you with the tools and foresight needed to make informed decisions.

Key Topics Covered:

• The impact of reorganisation on commercial asset portfolios
• Due diligence and data integrity during asset transfers
• Strategic planning for long-term asset optimisation
• Governance, risk, and compliance considerations
• Real-world examples and lessons learned from past reorganisations

Tune in to gain clarity and confidence in managing your council’s commercial assets during times of change.